Published December 29, 2008 06:09PM
Insect Repellents for Kids?
I'm curious about insect repellents for kids. Is DEET okay to use on a six-year-old?
Question:
I’m curious about insect repellents for kids. Is DEET okay to use on a six-year-old? Thanks!
Submitted by – Chris, Morgan HIll, CA
Answer:
Yes, experts generally agree that DEET is safe for kids (but not infants younger than two months old).
Keep the concentration low, say 8-10%, unless the ‘skeeters are really thick, and then no more than about 30%. And wash the DEET off as soon as exposure to insects ends. Mom or Dad should apply the DEET—you don’t want youngsters rubbing their eyes with DEET-impregnated hands—and avoid applying the spray near a child’s mouth.
More information: American Academy of Pediatrics; U.S. Food & Drug Administration